1974 Norton Commando 850FB Mk.2A Motorcycle

Description

The origins of the Norton Commando can be traced back to the late 1940s when the 497 cc (30.3 cu in) Norton Model 7 Twin was designed by Bert Hopwood. The twin-cylinder design evolved into the 600cc and then 650 cc Dominator and 750 cc Atlas before being launched as the 750 cc Commando in 1967.As well as having a radical new frame, the Commando's engine (which was mounted vertically in earlier models) was tilted forward. This was relatively easy as the engine was "pre-unit" that is the gearbox was not integral with the crankcase, and the change gave three benefits 1: the centre of gravity was moved further forward; 2: this allowed more space behind the carburetors for the air box and 3: it gave an attractive raked appearance to the motorcycle.The Norton Commando is regarded by many pundits as the finest British twin of the era, The key to the success of the Commando was the Isolastic frame designed by Dr. Stefan Brauer, with rubber damping eliminating the vibrations that plagued so many other designs.By the late 1970s, the Japanese market had made such inroads into the European and American markets that the Norton name disappeared altogether with the last Norton's being produced in 1977.